The letters say these online threats have contributed to attacks against law enforcement, citing threats the gunman who tried to break into the FBI’s Cincinnati field office earlier this month shared on Trump’s social network, Truth Social .
“We are concerned that reckless statements by the former president and Republican members of Congress have unleashed a flood of violent threats on social media that have already led to at least one death and pose a danger to law enforcement officers across the United States. the United States,” he said. letters written by House Oversight Committee Chairwoman Carolyn B. Maloney (DN.Y.) and House Homeland Security Subcommittee Chairman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Mass.). “We urge you to take immediate action to address any threats of violence against law enforcement that appear on your company’s platforms.”
The letters ask for information on how companies respond to threats of violence, including how many threats against law enforcement have been removed and how many have been reported to authorities. Lawmakers are also asking for plans to ensure the platforms are not used to incite further violence against law enforcement and for documents on any ads that appear alongside violent comments.
Lawmakers also sent letters to executives from Twitter, TikTok, Truth Social, Rumble, Gettr and Telegram, examining major social networks as well as alternative social networks favored by Trump supporters.
Law enforcement leaders have sounded the alarm about threats against federal agents for a week, after top GOP leaders accused the FBI, without evidence, of carrying out a politicized attack on Trump. Politicians have encountered long-standing animosity between Trump and his followers over arms of the federal government, which some call the “Deep State.” The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued a joint bulletin last week warning of an “increase in violent threats posted on social media against federal officials and facilities.”
The letters sent Friday cite specific threats to Truth Social. “The Second Amendment is not about shooting deer! Shut down and load!” said a post to “feeds”. Another said: “Arm yourself! We are about to enter Civil War!”
The arrest of a Pennsylvania man accused of threatening violence against FBI personnel is also mentioned in the letters. He allegedly posted on Gab: “Every single piece [expletive] who works for the FBI in every capacity, from director to janitor who cleans them up [expletive] toilets are to die for. You have declared war on us and now it is open season on YOU.”
Gab CEO Andrew Torba responded to The Washington Post’s request for comment with a pair of blog posts, including one in which Gab said it was “considering” its response to Congress and that it quickly responded to law enforcement requests in regarding the arrest in Pennsylvania. The other seven companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
House Democrats are scrutinizing renewed online calls for violence against law enforcement as they grapple with the role social media played in fueling the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. The social media requests come after the House committee investigating the January 6 attacks subpoenaed major tech companies after they said they were not cooperating with it. Social media posts and interviews with tech executives have been included in recent committee hearings.
In Friday’s letters, the lawmakers also ask the companies whether legislation is needed to “protect law enforcement personnel and increase coordination with federal authorities.”
